August 9, 2025 International Trending News Stories

The Making of the Master: John Moran’s Journey To Becoming a Glassblowing Legend

The art of glassblowing has been around for thousands of years. It is a craft that requires both creative vision and physical skills to create something beautiful from molten glass, but only a few have achieved the level of mastery that John Moran has attained. Moran is an American glass and mixed-media artist living and working in Belgium. His exceptional glass-blown sculptures reflecting current events, politics, and society are on one side, but the way his life has slowly shaped and transformed in the hands of time is a tale to be told. 

Originally from Philadelphia, Moran was born into a working-class family to a nurse mother and a psychiatrist father. Moran has always had a knack for the arts despite his background, but this flair has developed into a passion after a major blow. Moran’s father passed away when he was 10 years old, though it is a terrible thing to experience as  a child, it ultimately spurred him on to take chances and pursue his dreams.

Just Like Him. Photo: Marble Media Official, Netflix, David Leyes

American Idols. Photo: Delaware Contemporary

American Idols. Photo: Delaware ContemporaryAmerican Idols.

American Idols. Photo: Delaware Contemporary

American Idols. Photo: Delaware Contemporary

American Idols. Photo: Delaware Contemporary

American Idols. Photo: Delaware Contemporary

The journey was not easy, and it took him many years of hard work and dedication to become a legend in the glass-blowing world. During all these years, Moran worked hard to improve his skills by doing side jobs and working in studios all over the US. He also spent a year and a half teaching English in China, which was an eye-opening experience that exposed him to various cultures and taught him a lot. However, becoming an artist in residenceat WheatonArts was a defining moment in his life, giving him the opportunity to focus solely on his work. 

At WheatonArts, Moran was given the chance to develop his skills and refine his craft through practice, focus, and dedicated time in the studio. During this period, he created one of  his most iconic  works of art,the installation of the American Presidents. Titled: American Idols. While creating this work, he developed unique and impressive techniques that helped him achieve mastery, making him a recognized namein the glass-making world. 

Soon after completing his MFA and perfecting his techniques for making large, figurative  sculptures out of glass and mixed media, Moran relocated to Belgium in 2013 and established Gent Glas, a public glass studio with a focus on the local artist community. 

Slowly transforming from an unknown artist to a glassblowing legend, Moran has come far in his journey. His remarkable works of art have been featured in numerous publications and exhibitions. Moreover, he recently made a major splash as he

became the winner of Netflix’s Blown Away Season 3, which earned him not only worldwide success but also a residency at the famous Corning Museum of Art. 

Visit his instagram @johnsleepymoran , or his website, Backdoorart, to learn more about Moran and his work. 

Related Posts

Get Wander-Fully Lost With Mikaela Janalyn as She Travels With Style

July 5, 2022

July 5, 2022

The best travel blogs on the internet offer amazing travel tips, photography, and video content. Some of the best bloggers...

Fitness Influencer Shelby Robins Explains the Influence of Accomplishments on Your Mental and Physical Health

June 20, 2023

June 20, 2023

Do you fully comprehend the factors that drive you? Identifying the root of your motivations will enable you to discern...

Meet Jeremy Jenson, Content Creator, Podcast Host & Business Influencer Behind the Largest Privately Held Executive Search Firm in Houston

May 20, 2022

May 20, 2022

Life can be full of challenges. And life in the fast lane can tire people out. Usually, an exceptional individual...

“I’m Thankful That God Is a Promise Keeper” –Physician and Content Creator, Tashinea Bernadin on Her Infertility Journey

May 8, 2023

May 8, 2023

“I’m Thankful That God Is a Promise Keeper” –Physician and Content Creator, Tashinea Bernadin on Her Infertility Journey  The infertility...

Amazon FBA Coach, Nhut Cao Mentors New Entrepreneurs 4 Tips To Succeed

June 8, 2022

June 8, 2022

Entrepreneurship is a dangerous game which requires training and skill. Without these things, it can result in a failure and...

Unlock Your Career Potential and Recruitment Needs with MatchMaker no.1’s Personalized Approach, Led by Ines Mokrani

June 29, 2023

June 29, 2023

Matchmaking is a well-known concept. Those who run matchmaking ventures are experts at identifying shared interests and goals between two...

The Resonating Power of Susan Darvishi: A Rising Star in the Global Music Scene

June 27, 2023

June 27, 2023

“Those who danced were thought insane by those who couldn’t hear the music,” Friedrich Nietzsche once remarked, beautifully capturing music’s...

The Importance of Ethical Consumerism: Jessica Claflin Supports Sustainable Brands and Encourages Others to Do the Same

March 6, 2024

March 6, 2024

In today’s world, ethical consumerism is on the rise, driven by a growing awareness of the impact our choices as...

5 Benefits of Somatic Therapy for Improved Mental & Physical Health

August 11, 2023

August 11, 2023

How often do we spend time in our bodies, being present and aware of how we feel? In a world...

Flavia Millen’s Intrinsic Art and Innate Beauty Win Millions of Hearts

September 7, 2022

September 7, 2022

The modern world is witnessing remarkable, entirely unprecedented changes in communication. The speed and frequency of global communication are absolutely...

The Caribbean Is Earth’s Last Eden, Says the Founder & CEO of TEMPO Networks, Frederick A. Morton, Jr.

September 5, 2022

September 5, 2022

You can see his face shining bright when he talks about the Caribbean. Frederick A. Morton, Jr. believes it to...

Between Banks and Finance Influencers, This Is How Investing Coach Vittorio Rigato Is Redefining the Term Investment and Financial Freedom

January 25, 2023

January 25, 2023

Over the years, the way the world structures its financial axis has changed drastically. Between the pandemic, recession, and sustained...

Dynamic Entrepreneur Trevoy Pointer Empowering People with Personal Finance and Mindset Mastery

August 7, 2022

August 7, 2022

Has it ever seemed like life always seems tough for you but not for others? Even people like Trevoy Pointer,...

Pursuing Swift Justice – Here Is How Caleb Payne Is Saving Clients Both Time & Money

February 24, 2024

February 24, 2024

Insurance fraud runs rampant in the US, leaving many unsuspecting victims entangled in a web of deceit. The insurance industry...

Here’s How Karen Thomson, founder of Super Sexy Sobriety Has Been Changing Lives

November 7, 2022

November 7, 2022

Empathy is more than just a powerful quality; it is a way of living. Being empathetic allows you to be...